Dear Journal,
So far, this experience in a whole other country has been very inspiring, changing, and adventurous. Life here is so completely different then home that one would have to actually be here to fully understand. It's so sad to see starving children and adults everywhere i look. But what is really good, is to have a great host and all of her friends helping me have a good time while I'm here. My host, Berta, is the most inspiring person I have come across yet, during my stay in Ethiopia.I am staying with her family in their home in Jimma, the largest city in Ethiopia. Even though their home is made of mud and sticks, like the many other homes in the city, the family accepts their living conditions and never complains. Berta's house is one of the nicer ones, with cements floors. It is one floor with three rooms. Ethiopians have a habit of painting their homes in bright colors, which i have noticed, considering the one I am staying in is bright green.
The day I arrived in Ethiopia, Berta and her family gave me an Ethiopian name that they could call me to make me feel more at home. They chose "Desta", which means happiness. Also, the food here isn't bad at all. The meals usually consist of a vegetable and meat and a side of bread. Also, many different types of spices and honey are almost always used. I can't believe I only have three days left, I'm really going to miss Berta's moms cooking!
Another thing I have really enjoyed about Ethiopia is how they play soccer. I'm a big soccer fan and found it interesting how they can have just as much fun playing on dirt in bare feet, as we can in cleats and on a field. Everyday right before dinner, Berta takes me to me up with all her friends and the kids in the city to play a big game of soccer. It's really fun and alot of the kids are surprisenly very good at soccer, especially because they basically taught themselves and learned without any training like we have in America.
Most of the transportation in Ethiopia is done by bus because they are no railroads and most people can't afford air travel or a car. Today, Berta is taking me on a bus ride around the city so she can show me around a little more. Then we will probably go to the market with her mom to get some things for dinner tonight. Berta says the bus rides in Ethiopia Can be very lively and entertaining, and sometimes, hot crowded, and frustrating. Most of the busses are in poor condition and make short trips take a long time. But I guess it's all an experience I'm willing to try!
I am having a great time and am learning many different things about a whole new culture. I don't want to go home yet, but can't wait to tell my family all about it!
Desta
It is a cultural tradition for the people of Ethiopia to have "lip plates." This body modification is found attractive in their culture and a way to respect themselves and their religion and beliefs. About 6 to 12 months before marriage, the woman's lip is pierced by her mother or one of her kinswomen, usually at around the age of 15 to 18. The initial piercing is done as an incision of the lower lip of 1 to 2 cm length, and a simple wooden peg is inserted. After the wound has healed, which usually takes 2 or 3 weeks, the peg is replaced with a slightly bigger one. At a diameter of about 4 cm the first lip plate made of clay is inserted. Every woman crafts her plate by herself and takes pride in including some ornamentation.
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